Chapter 127: #PrayforJune

In the sterile hospital room, the atmosphere was heavy with a somber stillness. The soft beeping of machines and the distant sound of footsteps in the corridor were the only signs of life.

Minjun sat by the bedside, tears welling up in his eyes.

Beside Minjun stood Grandma, hunched over, and her gnarled hands clutching a tissue. Her eyes were red from crying.

The hospital bed was shrouded in a white cloth, its surface eerily still. June laid beneath it.

Minjun reached out and grasped Grandma's hand, their fingers intertwining in a silent gesture of shared grief. Their eyes met, and in that moment, their pain increased a thousandfold. No words were spoken; none were needed.

Grandma's voice trembled as she broke the silence, "He's like a grandson to me, Minjun. I've seen him grow from a dead-eyed child to the talented young man he is today."

"Big brother," Minjun sniffed, holding onto June's hand. As expected, it was already so cold.

Grandma reached out and rubbed circles on his cold hand. "You've left a mark on all of us, my dear," she whispered, her voice quivering.

"What the fuck are ya'll crying about?" June said, removing the white cloth from his face. He had been woken from his slumber by their sad cries, and now, he was in a cranky mood.

And who the hell put this over his face? He couldn't breathe well because of it.

Minjun's and Grandma's eyes widened, their jaws dropping as they stared at June like he was a ghost. "B-big brother?" Minjun stammered.

Grandma's tissue dropped from her hand, her mouth agape. "Oh dear Lord, his soul has been awakened! We're seeing his ghost in real life."

Minjun squeaked in fear as June reached out his hand to him.

"What are you spouting about? I'm okay." June snapped.

"He's even cranky when he's dead," Minjun said.

June clicked his tongue. "I'm not dead. Look," he said, reaching out his hand to ruffle

Minjun's hair, but the little child pushed him away, causing a jolt of pain to go through his shoulder.

"Oww," he muttered. "Be careful. The stab wound still hurts."

Grandma and Minjun, who were in the corner of the room, looked at June with confused eyes.

"You're not dead?" Grandma asked.

"No," June said. He wouldn't die that easily. He still needed to debut.

Besides, that Alex guy's hands trembled so much that it missed his chest. Instead, it sliced his shoulder...a bit deeply. But at least the bleeding was controlled, and he was now stitched up.

It still hurt moving his right shoulder, but it was not the worst pain he had experienced.

"Oh goodness, it's a miracle!" Grandma exclaimed, clapping her hands. "I thought you really died."

"Where did you even get that information?" June grumbled.

Minjun brought out his phone and showed the trending article to June. "It's all over Navel," the kid said. "A lot of people think you're in serious condition."

"What?" June snapped, grasping the phone and reading the contents of the news article.

"Idol Survival Show Contestant on the Brink of Death after Gruesome Attack, Rising Stars Launches Investigation."

Seoul, Korea, 2023 — In a shocking turn of events, popular idol survival show contestant June miraculously survived a horrifying attack that left him with severe injuries. The incident, which took place during the live elimination episode of the show, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond.

According to initial reports, the attack was allegedly orchestrated by fellow contestants Alex and Hyunwoo, fueled by the scandal that made them leave the show. Their motives are believed to be rooted in resentment and jealousy.

The brutal nature of the attack has left many stunned, as June's injuries are said to be extensive and gruesome. The rising star's face was reportedly lacerated, his legs nearly severed, and his chest brutally stabbed. The severity of the injuries prompted immediate medical attention, and June is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of an undisclosed hospital, fighting for his life.

Azure, the production company behind the idol survival show, has issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing their deep concern for June's well-being. The company has also launched a thorough investigation into the matter, vowing to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Fans and fellow contestants alike have taken to social media to express their shock and outrage over the incident. The hashtag #PrayForJune has been trending, with thousands of well-wishes pouring in for the young idol trainee's recovery. Friends and supporters have organized candlelight vigils in hopes of his speedy recovery and return to Rising Stars.

June was stunned as he read the article. "Legs severed? Where did they even get that?"

"I don't know," Minjun shrugged. "I think they interviewed some of the trainees or something."

June sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. He already had a hunch on who was interviewed—those damn guys had a reputation for taking it up a notch!

His legs weren't even grazed by a knife!

"Well, I'm fine," June said. "It hurts a bit, but I'll recover fast."

Just then, a doctor came inside the room, a wide smile on his face.

"You're awake?" he chimed. June glanced at his nameplate: Dr. Oh.

"Who put the white cloth over my face?" June asked.

Dr. Oh chuckled. "Oh, that was me. The nurses were observing your face while you were asleep, so I guess you would have appreciated it if I covered it for you."

June pursed his lips. What kind of hospital was this?

"Well, uh-is everything okay?" June asked. "I can leave later, right? We have to continue practicing for the show."

"About that," Dr. Oh scratched the back of his head. "I know you're itching to go back to the show, but after a thorough assessment, the knife went as deep as severing one of your arteries. Thankfully, we were able to stitch it up before you bled to death, but it also means you need to recover for quite a while."

June frowned. "How long?"

"Hmm...a week, at least."